MORE | Fall 2020

Non-Toxic Nucleation and Passivation of Silver Nanoparticles on Stainless Steel for Biofouling Control

This project proposes to improve the long-term performance of silver-based surface coatings used for biofouling control on various surfaces. The research includes the generation of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on stainless-steel, and their subsequent passivation by the formation of desirable forms of silver halides including Ag2S, AgBr and AgI. The Ag/functionalized-Ag structure is proposed to mitigate biofilm formation without affecting the antimicrobial performance of silver particles. Fluorescence microscopy data confirmed the high antimicrobial activity of silver halides and ImageJ analysis showed reduction in biofilm formation rate. Future experiments are needed to monitor the surface properties of the coated surfaces.